4. STUDY THE LAYOUT OF YOUR FURNITURE

You don’t want a floor lamp isolated in the middle of the room so place them strategically around your furniture. With their tall stature and sculptural quality, they are prefect for delineating different zones in a room, or for making a bold statement all by themselves.

If you pop one in a dark corner, not only will it banish shadows, but it will also help define the space making our room appear larger. Arrange floor lamps around a seating area, either beside or behind a softa, between armchairs or in a specific spot where you like to read, craft or listen to music. 

5. WHAT ARE BEST SPOTS FOR A FLOOR LAMP?

Next to a sofa, arm chair or bed.
Used as a spotlight if it is adjustable.
Beside a desk or work area.
Next to a mirror for maximum impact.
Beside any side table or cabinet.
In front of an accent wall, or standing on its own in a corner as a decorative item.

6. USE FLOOR LAMPS TO DEFINE ZONES

In open plan areas, consider placing floor lamps behind a sofa, or next to a console table, bookshelf, entertainment unit or sideboard to help define the space and create zones for different activities in the living room, such as an area for dining, watching TV or for readying and playing board games.

8. WHAT STYLES DO YOU LIKE?

With so may designs and style of floor lamps to choose from it can feel a little overwhelming deciding on the right one. But as a rule, if you choose a lamp that you like in a colour that fits into your décor, you can’t go wrong. Here are some typical floor lamp styles:

Column floor lamp – long, simple and slender with a classic tubular stem, these floor lamps never date. They can be made out of any material but are generally found in wood or metal and are designed to take a shade that can be updated easily and inexpensively by just changing the shade.

Tripod – a popular design, tripod floor lamps will add a modern touch to your living room.

Arc lamp – usually adjustable or directional in style, these are best for providing tasking light for specific jobs like reading or working.

9. DOES IT COMPLEMENT YOUR DECOR?

What is the predominant style of your room? Your choice of floor lamp is more likely to be successful if you opt for one that complements your design choices to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look.

Modern: décor is generally defined as having a clean, minimalist feel with clean lines strong structural shapes. A modern style floor lamp is neutral, timeless and practical and recognised its sleek outline and shiny or gloss finish made from materials such as steel, glass and chrome.

Country: interior is generally softer with a more mixy matchy feel to furniture, upholstery and soft furnishings and decorated in neutrals, florals or country-inspired fabrics. A complementing floor lamp would be made from turned wood or natural metals like brass or copper and with a fabric shade to soften the light.

Industrial: takes its inspiration from our industrial past so often incorporates raw materials and unfinished building materials. Can be in any style but with its nuts and bolts on display so think steel, slate grey, antiqued brass and shiny nickel.

10. SHAPE & SILHOUETTE

Decide what decorative effect you would like your floor lamp to create in the room. Do you want it to harmonise with the décor or disrupt it? Both are equally acceptable.

If you have furniture with clean lines, opt for floor lamps with a sleek, simple outline that echo’s the minimalist appeal. Or be bold and choose an outsized angle poise floor lamp to make a statement and crate a focal point.

If your décor is more traditional or country-inspired, a floor lamp with a fabric shade is more in keeping as it will create a softer, diffused light.

11. REMEMBER SIZE & SCALE

As with all lighting, its important to consider the size and scale of the floor lamp in the setting it is required for.

Generally the larger the space, the bigger and bolder your floor lamp can be. Tighter spaces look better with a smaller lamp inhabiting it.